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Deadpool the Duck is Marvel’s Body-Sharing Mash-Up No One Expected

No matter where you are, money usually goes a long way toward solving problems. In the Marvel Universe it can purchase the services of some capable and very strange individuals like Wade Wilson AKA Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, or the anthropomorphic duck detective known as Howard. You just have to be careful, however, because characters like Howard and Deadpool each have their own styles, sensibilities and ways of looking at the world. Bringing the two of them together could make a dangerous situation even more volatile.

Readers will get to see just how explosive the Howard-Deadpool combo is this January when writer Stuart Moore and artist Jacopo Camagni kick of their five issue “Deadpool the Duck” mini-series where Howard and Wade Wilson share both an adventure — and a body? CBR News spoke with Moore about the series, his takes on both Howard and Deadpool, and the characters they’ll encounter in the series.

“Deadpool the Duck” #1 cover by David Nakayama

CBR News: You’re no stranger to Deadpool, a character with a very distinct personality and point of view, having written him in a couple of projects in the past, but what’s it like bouncing him off someone like Howard, who has his own unique perspective? What made you want to bring these two characters together?

Stuart Moore: I’m glad you led off with that question because it’s absolutely the core of the book. Deadpool and Howard are both known as humorous characters, but their sensibilities are light-years apart. Deadpool is a mercenary and a killer, but at heart he’s an oddly happy character — he knows what he is, and he likes doing what he does. Howard is darker, with a strong tendency to overthink things. He’s got a temper, but he doesn’t really believe in violence. Some of the most fun scenes in the book — to me, anyway — are when they’re just arguing, driving each other crazy.

What’s the significance of the title “Deadpool the Duck” and what does it mean for Wade and Howard’s interaction in the series? Are the two characters teaming up? Or are they sharing a body?

All of the above. I don’t want to give too much away, but yes, they find themselves forced to share a body. Oddly, this isn’t a smooth process. Probably the biggest thing Deadpool and Howard have in common is that they’re both very strong-willed. Unfortunately, Wade is also easily distracted.

What kind of action do Wade and Howard become embroiled in during “Deadpool the Duck”?

[Laughs] Who are of some supporting players and antagonists that will assist and confront your protagonists during the course of their crazy exploits together?

Rocket Raccoon is crucial to the story, playing off his friendship with Howard. You’ll also meet Agent Mary of S.H.I.E.L.D., an organization that’s running out of operatives willing to deal with Deadpool. This is either a career opportunity for poor Mary, or the end of the line.

And there’s a surprise villain, as the series goes along. The last person you’d expect, and yet maybe the first, if you really think about it.

“Deadpool the Duck” #2 cover by David Nakayama

Jacopo Camagni has some experience drawing the recent “Deadpool” #13 and “Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars,” among others, but what’s it like working with him on this particular story? What do you enjoy most about his style?

I knew Jacopo could do action, but I’m absolutely floored by his Howard. His work here is a gorgeous mixture of motion and humor, cliffhanger Deadpool action and hilarious facial expressions. I’m overselling it, aren’t I? No, I’m not. You’ll see.

David Nakayama’s covers are beautiful, too. He’s come up with some bizarre, clever ideas.

Can you leave us with some final hints and teases about the tone, scope, and scale of “Deadpool the Duck”?

What I really want to do with this book is to combine Deadpool’s rollercoaster fast-action storytelling with the cutting social commentary and unexpected character turns of classic Howard the Duck. Deadpool never sits still; that drives Howard half out of his mind. And Howard isn’t feeling all that stable to begin with.

The action ranges around the world, into orbit, and all the way to a “zone” that I’m “not positive” Marvel readers will recognize.

If all my jabber about inner feelings and American housing bores you stupid, just pick up this book and enjoy Jacopo’s rendition of a little four-foot duck assassin kicking and shooting people.